Waggin' Tales Pet Blog

Do you know you can change a pet’s life? Wednesday, January 24, is designated Change a Pet’s Life Day, and you can help do that.

Change a Pet’s Life Day started in 2009 to draw attention to the many homeless pets and to encourage adoption, bring awareness to animal welfare issues, and, for many, to establish a time to celebrate shelter/rescue workers and volunteers, who make a difference in the lives of homeless animals every day. All of us can do something to positively change the lives of animals. One of those ways, and an important one, is to adopt.

Every year, millions of animals are brought into animal shelters and rescues. Although adoption rates have increased during the past two decades, there are still about 50 percent that are not. Therefore, as a society, we still have a long way to go and improvements to make regarding pet adoption.

However, for some, adoption isn’t always possible. If that is you, what are other ways you can change a pet’s life? Here are a few ideas:

Donate to a shelter or rescue. Whether you contribute funds or provide food for the animals, your donation helps shelters and rescues operate.

Support community events that support animals in need. Is there a 5K walk/run coming up that benefits your local rescue or shelter (Think ‘Strut Your Mutt’ or ‘Pet Fest’)? Participate or donate to the cause. How about a garage sale? Donate items and/or shop. A dance, gala, or auction? Attend. Your support, donation, attendance helps your community’s animal welfare organization and the animals they serve.

Do something special for your own pet. Take your furry friend on a special outing, buy him/her a new toy and engage in play together, or participate in a new activity (such as agility for your dog or fetch for your cat).

If you do decide to adopt another pet, it’s important to choose the animal that’s right for your lifestyle. Learn about the variety of dog and cat breeds, including their personalities and needs, from these sources: